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'Crosstalk' functionality with SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault for PlayStation 2 - unlock special features and dramatically affect the progression of both titles

Prepare yourself for battle in the Tactical Operations Centre in PlayStation Home*

*Please note that PlayStation Home is only available in the following languages: English, French, Spanish, German and Italian.

Preview

Fire in the hole!

The SOCOM series launches its second full-out assault on the PSP system.

The SOCOM franchise went handheld in 2006 with the release of SOCOM: U.S NAVY SEALs Fireteam Bravo on PSP. Now along with SOCOM: Combined Assault on PlayStation 2, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2 arrives to provide to raise the bar for tactical action on PSP.

The Fireteam in the title refers to your two-man team of elite operatives, charged with taking down terrorists, mercenaries and rogue states by any means necessary. What this boils down to is a compelling story of counter-terrorism on a global scale, along with a wide variety of mission types, ranging from stealth and snipe missions to full out assaults and hostage rescues.

Fireteam. Bravo!

Regardless of the type of mission, a tactical and intelligent approach is always required. Running headlong into a mission with all guns blazing is an approach almost certain to lead to you being another notch on a war memorial somewhere. Stealth and teamwork are the watchwords here, and in every mission you are partnered by one of your compatriots, including Lonestar, your partner from the last game, as well as some new faces. You'll need to use your teammates effectively to defuse bombs, breach doors, and dismantle generators and computers. They can also be ordered to hang back, engage nearby enemies or cover an area.

Online however, is where the teamwork aspect of SOCOM: FTB 2 really comes into its own. Allowing up to 16 players at once via both Ad Hoc and Infrastructure Modes, online play features a whole host of maps and play modes, ranging from last man standing firefights to hostage extraction and defend-the-base missions. There are also three new multiplayer modes, Tug-of-War, Capture The Flag and Target. To round off the experience, the game also comes supplied with a headset (if you don't have one from before) that allows you to stay in voice contact with your team.

Local hero

The main story features a series of key missions, with sub-missions that tie into the main objectives. These sub-missions can be done in any order you like and, if you want, you can go back to any mission to try and earn yourself more Local Influence and Command Equity. Local Influence is earned by saving villagers, and rewards you with the chance to buy things like contraband weapons and advance mission intelligence. Command Equity is gained by completing mission objectives and capturing enemies rather than killing them, and rewards you with new weapons for the armoury, and the chance to buy supply drops and air strikes.

Visually, the game looks great: cutscenes are beautifully rendered, and filled with top notch voice acting. The levels are large and expansive and combine with an atmospheric score and plenty of ambient noise to create a really immersive game environment. The control system is simple, with freelook and strafe buttons that provide a good feel of movement, making sneaking around the various missions a breeze.

Also included in SOCOM: FTB 2 is the ability to link up with SOCOM: Combined Assault on the PS2 through the use of Crosstalk Objectives. These have been expanded compared to the previous game, with even more consequence for your actions between the platforms. Killing enemies or blowing up buildings on the PSP system's version means they will already be gone when you play the same level on PS2. It's a neat feature, and one that definitely encourages repeat play and extends the game's lifespan. Part of the reason it works is that the storylines of the two games are intertwined so well. Each team has different objectives to take care of, but both are working toward a common goal, and almost cross paths several times. There are even times when you can see the other team going about their mission. It's definitely a great mechanic, and a compelling incentive to get the SOCOM games for both formats.

An Instant Action mode allows players to replay any mission they have completed from the campaign mode, but with new objectives. These missions are perfect for a quick play on the move, and a welcome addition to the game.

SOCOM: FTB 2 does a fine job of following up the impressive debut SOCOM outing on the handheld. The single player campaigns are immersive and rewarding, the Crosstalk Objectives are exceptionally well implemented, and the multiplayer modes should keep players facing off with each other online for years to come.